Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers reacts after throwing an incomplete pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

GREEN BAY - It’s not just that the Green Bay Packers are only 4-4 halfway through a 2016 season that they entered as a Super Bowl hopeful. It’s how they got here that has to have them worried.

By the time they took the field for their 3:25 p.m. start Sunday, they knew the Detroit Lions had beaten the Minnesota Vikings. So a win over the underwhelming Indianapolis Colts would have put the Packers in a tie for first place in the NFC North Division with half the season ahead of them.

Instead, as a seven-point favorite at home, they played maybe their worst game of the season.

Most troubling of all was that for the first three quarters, the biggest excitement for the crowd at Lambeau Field was a squirrel that scurried around the field a few times in the second half. With so much to play for, the Packers gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game, then simply showed little of the toughness, resilience and fight you look for from a team trying to build toward a title through the ups and downs of a long NFL season.

How blah were the Packers on Sunday? After the game, reporters could hear defensive lineman Mike Daniels’ rant in the shower, where he threw F-bombs and wondered how the Packers could have played like they did. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga said he didn’t feel the usual “juice” on the sideline, and Aaron Rodgers didn’t blanch when asked if he felt the same way.

“I don’t understand it,” Rodgers said. “I mean, this is what we get paid to do, is to bring it every week, and I hope the guys would say I bring it every week, I mean, I love this game and I bring energy. I’m not a rah-rah guy, but I’m a focused, enthusiastic player, and I don’t know what the lack of juice was.

“You kind of felt it over the entire sideline. We didn’t have the same kind of enthusiasm and encouragement that we had the previous two weeks. So we’ve got to look deep in the mirror there, because that’s just not acceptable.”

That should worry coach Mike McCarthy, because his team has no business overlooking anyone. So now, instead of being tied for first place in the division, the Packers are looking up at the Vikings (5-3) and Lions (5-4).

Mathematically, the Packers still are well in the thick of things, and it’s not uncommon in this league for teams to be .500 or even under at this point, still make the playoffs and occasionally even go on deep postseason runs. But the Packers haven’t done anything so far to suggest that’s in their future.

For what it’s worth, in McCarthy’s tenure as coach, the Packers have been 4-4 three times, and in only one of those seasons did they make the playoffs. That was 2009, Rodgers’ second season as starter, when as 9½-point favorites they lost at previously winless Tampa Bay to drop to 4-4. The Packers finished that season 11-5 and then lost at Arizona in the wild card round of the playoffs.

The other two times were in 2006, McCarthy’s first season as coach, and ’08, Rodgers’ first season as starter. They missed the playoffs both times, at 8-8 in ’06 and 6-10 in ’08.

The problem this year is they’re still in search of an identity, and it’s getting a little deep into the season to be looking for that. They don’t have a true starting-caliber running back and might not all year. Eddie Lacy, their No. 1 back, had ankle surgery and doesn’t appear likely to return until January, if at all. James Starks is due back in the next few weeks from knee surgery performed last month, but at age 30 it’s not a given he’ll be the same guy he was before getting hurt.

Even without a traditional running game, the Packers seemed to have found something the last two weeks going mainly with four- and five-receiver sets. But against a Colts defense that came into the game ranked No. 29 in yards allowed and No. 28 in points, the Packers showed little playmaking ability. McCarthy mixed and matched personnel, and his offense did little of consequence until the Packers were desperately behind at 31-13 in the fourth quarter. Their late run to make it a game in the final minutes rang hollow.

Maybe the most important stretch of the game came on back-to-back plays in the second quarter, when Rodgers over-led an open Jordy Nelson on a deep ball, then came back and put a bomb right on Jeff Janis, who dropped it. Making those kinds of plays wins games.

Rodgers also seemed miffed that receiver Randall Cobb, who unexpectedly was active after missing last week because of a hamstring injury, didn’t play until the second half. McCarthy’s plan seemingly was to play Cobb only if he needed to.

“We’re waiting on some guys to get back, and like I said last week (finding an identity) is going to be a work in progress,” Rodgers said. “There were some things that happened out there tonight that were obviously very frustrating. Didn’t quite understand what Cobb’s status was, so we got him in there the last couple drives, but yeah, it was frustrating.”

The 4-5 Colts, on the other hand, made plays, and while quarterback Andrew Luck didn’t have great numbers (74.0 rating, 281 yards passing), he was the difference. He made the play of the game on the final possession when he shrugged off safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s sack attempt and hit tight end Jack Doyle for a 20-yard gain to convert a third-and-10.

With a stop, the Packers would have gotten back the ball with a chance to win in the final two minutes despite having played an abysmal first three quarters. Instead, Luck delivered the Colts the upset win, and sent the reeling Packers into the second half of the season without much to build on other than hope for hope.

“We’ve got to bring more energy and more juice and just find a way at this point,” Rodgers said. “If we keep finding a way, hopefully something will happen at some point.”

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs down the sideline after evading a tackle by Green Bay Packers defensive end Letroy Guion (98) in the second quarter as the Green Bay Packers host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis (83) runs after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter as the Green Bay Packers host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Colts defeated the Packers, 31-26. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) can't come up with the ball on the 3-yard line in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers as the Green Bay Packers host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Colts defeated the Packers, 31-26. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) celebrates after making a catch for a 1st down late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers as the Green Bay Packers host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Colts defeated the Packers, 31-26. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

A squirrel runs on a the field durn the fourth quarter of the Green Bay Packers game Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

As the defense takes the field, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) watches the replay on his way to the sideline after throwing an interception during the third quarter of their game Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers reacts after throwing an incomplete pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) picks up five yards on a reception before being knocked out of bounds by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is stopped for a two yard gain by Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels (76) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) misses a 48-yard field goal during the second quarter of their game Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

PACKERS07 PACKERS - A squirrel runs past the goal line during the 3rd quarter of Green Bay Packers 31-26 loss against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

A squirrel runs over a photographers lap during the 3rd quarter of Green Bay Packers 31-26 loss against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016 Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) catches a 27 yard pass with 2:21 left in the 4th quarter of the Green Bay Packers 31-26 loss against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) would take a knee for the final 3 plays for the win. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Randall Cobb loses control of the football during the third quarter of the Green Bay Packers 31-26 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers looks to through against the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts’ Donte Mondrief pulls down a long first down reception against Green Bay Packers LaDarius Gunter in the fourth quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts’ Donte Mondrief pulls down a long first down reception against Green Bay Packers LaDarius Gunter in the fourth quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Zach Kerr (94) delivers a late hit on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the third quarter of their game Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26. There were offsetting penalties on the play. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs seven yards for a touchdown while eluding the grassy of Green Bay Packers linebacker Joe Thomas (48) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Green Bay Packers 31-26. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and outside linebacker Nick Perry walk off the field after Green Bay's 31-26 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field last Sunday. Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Todman (28) runs back a kickoff during the 2nd quarter of Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes for a completion during the 2nd quarter of Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

8. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts ($24,594,000 Avg./Year)
The Colts signed Luck to a five-year contract extension worth
$122,970,000 in June 2016. Indianapolis won only two games in 2011 before
Luck arrived, but went 11-5 and made the playoffs each of Luck’s first three
seasons as the team transitioned from Peyton Manning. Luck averaged 4,319 yards
passing per season his first three years and led the NFL in touchdown passes in
2014 with 40. More recently, Luck missed all of the 2017 season recovering from
a shoulder injury. He is expected to be back under center for the Colts this
fall. Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) defends a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) in the end zone in the second quarter as the Green Bay Packers host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Todman (28) returns a kick off 99 yards for a touchdown during the first quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Todman (28) returns a kick off 99 yards for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis (83) drops a potential touchdown pass pf the 10 yard line during the second quarter of their game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

A squirrel runs on the field during the 2nd quarter of Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Jeff Janis drops a pass after beating in the second quarter as the Green Bay Packers host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Green Bay Packers' Ty Montgomery breaks free for a long first down at the start of the first quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers is under pressure as he looks to pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Green Bay Packers' Ty Montgomery breaks free for a long first down at the start of the first quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

Green Bay Packers' Ty Montgomery breaks free for a long first down at the start of the first quarter Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) is taken down after a catch and a first down during the 1st quarter of Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) is taken down after a catch and a first down during the 1st quarter of Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Todman (28) returns the opening TD for a touchdown during the 1st quarter of Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - An empty Lambeau Field is seen a few hours before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Ann Burant, of Stevens Point grills brats before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Terri Geissner, of Pewaukee, gives her brother Tom Geissner, of LaCrosse a back rub before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - A sea of fans tailgates before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Alex Justen, left, of McHenry, IL, and Tyler Stanage, of Elkhart, both graduate students at UW Madison tailgate in their teams jerseys before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Jon DeGroot, of Wausau, had his hair dyed in green before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Smoke from grills fills the lot as people tailgate before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

PACKERS07 PACKERS - Bruce Roedig, left, from Waldo, and his brother Curtiss Roedig from Ashwaubenon sport their green wigs before the Green Bay Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

William Fox, 8, of Minnesota catches a football at a tailgate outside Lambeau Field prior to the Packers verses Colts game on Sunday, November 6, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Alexis Ocker of Minneapolis takes a drink at a tailgate outside Lambeau Field prior to the Packers verses Colts game on Sunday, November 6, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin